Brega: Insurgents are celebrating after fighting off an attempt by Libyan troops to retake the eastern oil port of Brega.
The town was full of jubilant people, who fired their guns in the air.
Earlier, pro-Gaddafi forces had arrived in large numbers, and at one stage appeared to hold the upper hand. But they were later forced to retreat.
Meanwhile, Col Gaddafi warned he would “fight until the last man and woman”.
In a televised speech, Col Gaddafi also said that thousands of Libyans would die if Western forces intervened.
Discussions continue at the UN about the idea of implementing a no-fly to stop pro-Gaddafi forces launching air attacks on rebel forces.
Russia, among others, is unlikely to support any no-fly zone proposal unless there are air raids by Colonel Gaddafi’s forces on civilians.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has spoken to Colonel Gaddafi to discuss the establishment of a “peace commission” to mediate in the country.
Communications Minister Andres Izarra did not say how the Libyan leader had reacted to President Chavez’s proposal.
A senior rebel officer suggested the Gaddafi troops – who had arrived in more than 100 vehicles and had managed to briefly seize the university and an oil refinery – might have run out of ammunition and been forced to withdraw.
The excited rebels appear to be very proud of what they have achieved, our correspondent says, and the feeling in the town is that Col Gaddafi’s men do not necessarily have their hearts in the job.
Medical sources in Brega said that 14 people had been killed in the fighting.
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